Is It Normal To Smell Gas When Hvac Is Running?
2-stage cooling is a method of cooling that can better manage the cooling of your home while outdoor temperatures are changing. It can also better maximize indoor comfort and energy efficiency. 2-stage cooling systems are typically the most energy efficient systems out there. 2-stage cooling can be done by having one unit with two compressors, one small and one large. The small one is typically capable of putting out about 50% the capacity of the larger one. The second way to have 2-stage cooling is to have a single scroll unloading compressor. This compressor can unload its capacity down to about 66% of maximum capacity. Both these methods of getting 2-stage cooling allow the unit to run at a lower stage when the high stage is not needed. By doing this, energy is saved. 2-stage heating has the same principle as 2-stage cooling. It allows the unit to adjust itself based on the amount of heating that is necessary. 2-stage heating is a good way to save on heating costs. A heat pump system would have two different sized compressors, a small and a large one. The compressor that is used at a given time would depend upon the need. If only a small amount of heating is necessary, the smaller compressor would be used to save energy. The large compressor would only be used when a large amount of heating was needed. A gas furnace that is 2-stage has a modulating gas valve that regulates gas flow depending upon the need.
The four most prevalent furnace issues are listed below. Continue reading to learn how to repair many of them, as well as what you can do to prevent future furnace issues. After you troubleshoot your system and still need professional help, schedule a furnace repair today! No Heat One of the most typical furnace problems is a lack of heat. There was no one single problem that caused the lack of heat, so you'll need to examine everything carefully to discover what's wrong. Adjust the thermostat if necessary. To begin, check the thermostat. The heat may have been switched off or set to a low level. If this is the case, adjust the thermostat's temperature setting. If it's not a thermostat problem, check to see whether the propane valve is closed. If the valve is shut, no gas can enter the furnace to warm up the air. If you discover that it is shut, you may either open it yourself or seek help from a professional if you need it. The third possible problem is a blown fuse. This fuse will need to be changed. You'll need to book an appointment for a gas heater repair to do so. When it comes to propane, always exercise caution. With interactive safety training that the entire family can grasp, educate your children. Lastly, if your furnace has a pilot light, check to see whether it's on by peering into the tiny window at the front of the unit. The flame should touch the end of the thermocouple. Check to see if your furnace is turned on using an electronic ignition instead of a pilot light. The Fan Is Not Running If your furnace's fan isn't working, check the inspection window on the blower compartment of the furnace first. Is there a blinking green light? If that's the case, go on to the next technique for repairing your heating system. If the light is red or nothing at all, your heater may have a problem with the transformer, control board, blower motor, or run capacitor. If you saw a green light, check the breaker. If it's tripped, look for loose wiring or burned areas on the control board. Do not reset the breaker until a competent specialist has addressed these concerns. Blower Does Not Turn Off Suddenly, you discover that your gas furnace's blower has been on continuously for an hour or more. What do you do now? Do some troubleshooting to determine if it is the setting or the fan that is the problem. Check the thermostat to see whether your fan is on continuously. The blower should not be on 24 hours a day, seven days a week; It needs time to cool down between uses. Set your thermostat to automatic so that the blower can turn on and off as needed. The other reason the blower won't turn off is because of a faulty control switch on the fan. If you can reach it, check that the switch for turning off the blower is in good working order. Furnace Turns On And Off Too Often A gas furnace should turn on and off throughout the day. If it's turning on and off too frequently, that might indicate a problem. The issue could be the thermostat, air filter, belt or blower motor. Check the filter and thermostat first. Replace a dirty air filter if necessary. A clogged air filter can cause frequent on-off activity. Check the thermostat to be sure it's set to auto as well. If the thermostat shows on, high or continual, change it to auto If the problems listed above still aren't alleviated, it's time to call your furnace repair company. The problem may be more difficult than this, such as a worn belt or incorrect tension, or motor ports might need to be lubricated. Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace Get in the habit of having your gas furnace serviced on a regular basis to avoid many of the issues it may experience. Get in the habit of scheduling maintenance by a professional trained expert. During these visits, your repair person will look for and address any problems before they become serious. Contact a furnace repair firm at the end of summer or the start of fall to come to your property and fully inspect and repair your heating system. Regular maintenance visits ensure your heating system is in tip-top operating order and reduce the likelihood that you will wake up to a chilly house in the middle of winter. Prevention is often much less expensive than repairs after neglect. You should also schedule maintenance visits on a regular basis, as they are important for the long-term health of your chimney. There are certain maintenance activities that you can accomplish yourself during the duration of the professional visit. For example, change the air filter on a regular basis. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding how often you should change the filter and do so accordingly. Check and replace the battery on your thermostat every spring and fall. If you smell gas, contact your propane supplier immediately. Envirotemp Can Help When troubleshooting your furnace problems, never hesitate to contact a trained professional. All furnaces, even new ones, could pose combustion or other safety hazard risks. It's always best to have a specialist take a look and suggest the right solution.
Cooling Upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioner - Swapping your old, inefficient air conditioning system for a high-efficient one can cut electricity bills by one-third. Consult one of our professional technicians to ensure your system is the right size for your home, and you aren't over- or under-cooling for your space needs. Install ceiling fans - Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fans. In the summer, the blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction as a way of creating a nice, gentle wind. Have an annual maintenance performed - Having an annual maintenance performed on your air conditioner by a licensed technician will help ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and catches any potential breakdowns before they occur. Don't block vents in well-used rooms - Keep your supply and return air vents free of objects like blinds, carpets or furniture so your air conditioner can operate efficiently and there is even cool air distribution. Heaing Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace - New high-efficiency furnaces use up to 50% less fuel than an older system. It can save you up to 25 per cent of your home-heating costs in one year, and within a few years, you'll have recovered the initial cost of replacing/upgrading your furnace. Choosing a model with an energy efficient motor can save 20 to 50 percent of the energy needed to continuously operate a fan motor. Let us show you the advantages of replacing your old furnace today. Have an annual maintenance performed - Having an annual maintenance performed on your furnace by a licensed technician will help ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and catches any potential breakdowns before they occur. Install a programmable thermostat - A programmable thermostat enables you to control your home's temperature when you're away or asleep. For every 1° you lower your thermostat for seven hours per day, you save one percent on your heating bill. Don't block vents in well-used rooms - Keep your supply and return air vents free of objects like blinds, carpets or furniture so your furnace can operate efficiently and there is even heat distribution. Install ceiling fans - Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fans. In the winter, the blades should operate in a clockwise direction helping to push the warm air from the ceiling down into the room.
Does My Ac System Need To Be Replaced Or Can It Be Fixed? When contemplating whether to repair or replace your HVAC system, there are a few factors to consider. Although repair may seem like the cheaper fix, it isn't always the best option for your home. There are pros and cons to both repair and replacement, and we hope to help make your decision easier with these things to evaluate! Repair Depending on your situation, repairing your AC system can be the best solution. Typically, repair is the cheaper option when compared to replacement. Who doesn't love to save money? One thing to understand in your decision to repair or replace is if repair is actually cheaper in the long run. Will this repair be a temporary fix? Does your system have frequent breakdowns? Your heating and cooling unit is much like your car. When your car breaks down, you take it to the body shop and have it fixed. If the car repair is unfixable or costly, buying a new car is a possible solution. Replace Unfortunately, even heating and cooling units have an expiration date. Replacing your HVAC system is an investment, but it does have benefits. If you are in the market to replace, your current system is likely causing you stress from breakdowns. Replacing as a whole can give homeowners peace of mind knowing they have a reliable unit in the summer and winter months. New HVAC units have higher efficiency which increases your overall comfort. Things To Consider We encourage you to consider these factors when deciding to repair or replace your HVAC system. The Age Of Your Unit. HVAC systems typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. The chance of breakdowns and frequent repairs increase after your unit hits the 10 year mark. Considering this, if your unit is 10 years or older it is likely to continue needing repairs until it eventually gives out. Frequent repairs and technician calls can be expensive, which makes replacement a good option. The Cost Of The Repair. Many HVAC technicians use the "$5,000 rule." This rule of thumb multiplies the age of the unit by the repair cost, and if the total exceeds $5,000 it may be best to replace the unit. If the repair is inexpensive and your technician recommends this as the best option, repair could be your best choice. The Efficiency Of Your Unit. Ask your Envirotemp technician to evaluate your unit's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration (SEER) rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your unit is. This rating can help determine your possible savings by replacing your unit. How Long Will You Live In Your House? Evaluate how long you plan on living in your home before buying a new unit. If you plan on living there for many years to come, replacement could be beneficial. If you are selling your home, a new HVAC unit can increase your resale value and many buyers ask for replacement. The Cost Of Your Energy Bills. Older units may be the cause of high utility bills due the amount of energy they use. New units are more energy efficient, which can reduce your monthly energy bill. Related Article: How Can I Reduce My Energy Costs? We are committed to your comfort at Envirotemp, which starts with a reliable heating and cooling system. Give us a call at (302) 653-4073 for one of our trained technicians to help determine if repair or replacement is best for you and your home!
Six Plants That Improve Air Quality Plants help improve air quality in many ways such as absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Additionally, some plants can naturally purify the air you breathe. If you are looking for continued ways to decrease allergens and harmful toxins from the air, consider placing a few air purifying plants in your home. In this blog, we will highlight six air purifying plants and their benefits. Don't worry, for those that do not have green thumbs, we will explain how to keep them alive! Benefits Of Indoor Plants Helps us breathe easily. Plants have the ability to create oxygen, which is vital to clean air and obviously human life. While plants use the process of photosynthesis, they are in taking carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is an equal process for humans releasing carbon dioxide and inhaling oxygen. Purifies air. A study done by NASA revealed that houseplants can remove toxic vapors in enclosed buildings. NASA also concluded that plants can reduce dust levels by up to 20%. Dust reduction is beneficial for residents with asthma or allergies. Improves health. Plants increase the humidity of the air, which isn't always a bad thing in Delaware! Humidity in your air can have multiple health benefits such as preventing dry throats and reducing the likelihood of allergies. Cost effective. Plants are the natural comparison to an air purifier and can be the cheaper option if properly taken care of. Indoor Plants Are Also Known To: increase mood and productivity enhance concentration and memory reduce stress and fatigue
Everything You Need To Know If Your Air Conditioner Freezes In The Summer Although many love the summertime, it is nice to know you have a cool getaway from the heat waiting for you inside your home in Dover, Delaware and surrounding areas. To ensure the comfort of air conditioning is waiting for you at home, it is important to make sure your unit is running properly. A common homeowner repair in the summertime is a frozen air conditioning unit. Many do not understand how 80 degrees and above can allow your condenser to freeze up, but trust us - it is possible! In this blog, we will answer the common homeowner question of "Why is my AC freezing up," and how to proceed. What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze? To understand why your air conditioner is freezing up, let's start with the basics. Your AC unit's main parts are a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, and refrigerant. Each plays a vital role to maintain your comfort. Your air conditioner collects all the warm air from your home, which blows over the evaporator coils. The refrigerant is found inside both condenser and evaporator coils and works to remove heat and moisture. If warm air does not reach the refrigerant, it becomes so cold that the excess moisture on the coils freezes. Your air conditioner is freezing up because of lack of airflow to your coils, where your refrigerant lies. Fix your airflow and you will no longer have a frozen air conditioner. How Do I Fix A Frozen Air Conditioner? In most cases, you are able to defrost your AC unit by yourself. Switch your thermostat to the "off" setting and turn the fan setting to "on." These two steps will power off your air conditioner and help blow warm air over the frozen coils. However if there is frost on your fans, skip switching your fan setting on due to possibly delaying the process. Dethawing your air conditioner can take up to 24 hours, so make sure you are prepared to maintain comfort in another way. While the unit is defrosting, try to find the source of the problem. We have listed common reasons your air conditioner froze in the section below. After your air conditioner has thawed, turn your air conditioner back on and monitor it closely. Give us a call if the problem arises again to identify the issue! Reasons Your Air Conditioner Froze It sometimes seems like your air conditioner picks the hottest and most humid day to need repairs. Here are the common reasons for air conditioners to freeze up: Dirty Air Filters Clogged Drain Lines Faulty Blower Fan Low Refrigerant Blocked Air Vents Dirty Air Filters Your air filter can be the reason your air conditioner has many problems. Debris such as pollutants and dust can clog your air filter and make it difficult for air to flow through. If the outside of your air filter vent has dust, it is likely your air filter needs to be changed. Airflow begins with your air filter, so start here if your air filter is frozen. Clogged Drain Lines While your air conditioner removes heat, it also removes moisture. Moisture exits through a copper or PVC drain line pipe typically near your outdoor unit. Drain lines can become clogged by a buildup of mold, mildew, and debris. If your drain line is blocked, water can become trapped near the evaporator coil and freeze. Faulty Blower Fan The blower fan is designed to blow warm air to the coils. If the blower fan is damaged or malfunctioning, there is a lack of airflow and your air conditioner can freeze. Low Refrigerant Low refrigerant is a common cause of a frozen air conditioner due to the coil pressure. Low refrigerant leads to low pressure, which allows moisture in the air to accumulate and freeze on the coil. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, there is likely a leak which should be addressed by a professional. Blocked Air Vents You should not be closing or placing furniture over your air vents. Your airflow will decrease and can cause problems such as air duct leaks and frozen air conditioner coils. Avoid obstructing air coming out of your vents to prevent a frozen air conditioner. If your air conditioner is not frozen due to any of these issues or continues to freeze, give us a call at (302) 653-4073! We are not comfortable until you are and can help solve any issue with our air conditioning services in Clayton.
Your cooling system is a large part of your energy bills each month, especially in the summer. Your air conditioner is working hard at all hours of the day to keep your home a comfortable temperature. However, if your air conditioner is well maintained your bills can be lowered. In this blog, we provide a few ways to boost AC efficiency to keep your air conditioner working properly and save you money this summer. Save Money And Energy! Below are 8 simple ways to improve your AC efficiency while keeping cool all summer long. Keep Clean And Clear Vents Shut All Windows Clean Outdoor Unit Boost Your Thermostat Temperature Utilize Blinds And Curtains Maintain A Clean Air Filter Perform Regular Maintenance Clear Drain Line Keep Clean And Clear Vents To increase your air conditioner's efficiency, ensure all air vents are open and free of any items blocking them. Furniture blocking your air vents can create pressure in your ducts and lead to air leaks. Vents can also cause molding on your furniture if they are placed over them. Cleaning your air vents free of dust and debris will help your air conditioner easily push air through, and result in better air quality. Shut All Windows As nice as a summer breeze can be, it can threaten your air conditioner's efficiency and raise your utility bills. Open windows alter the room's temperature, which causes your air conditioner to work constantly to meet the thermostat setting. Your cooling bills will rise due to the amount of energy used if windows are open. Clean Outdoor Unit Your outdoor unit can collect debris from the weather. Your air conditioner's efficiency levels and airflow will rise if you ensure your unit is clear of branches, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris each week. Boost Your Thermostat Temperature Your air conditioner works hard all day long to keep up with cooling demands. If your home will be vacant for the day, consider turning your thermostat up a few degrees. You will save on cooling costs, and your home will stay at a comfortable temperature if altered by 5-8 degrees. A programmable thermostat can automatically alter your temperature due to previously programmed settings, and could be a good investment to increase your home's efficiency. Utilize Blinds And Curtains Sunlight can add unwanted heat to your home during the day and cause your air conditioner to work harder. Utilize your blinds and curtains to block out sunlight and decrease heat gain. Maintain A Clean Air Filter Your air filter determines your air conditioner's performance. If dirty, it harms airflow, efficiency, and air quality. Your air conditioner struggles to push air through a clogged air filter, which causes it to overwork itself and raise your energy bills. Be sure to change your air filter every 3 months to maximize your AC unit's efficiency. Perform Regular Maintenance Much like your car, your air conditioner needs maintenance twice a year. We recommend scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring and fall to prepare for the weather the upcoming seasons will bring. Your Envirotemp technician can ensure your air conditioner is working properly and efficiently. Clear Drain Line Your air conditioner also removes humidity while cooling your home. The excess moisture exits out of the drain line, which can clog from time to time. A clogged drain line can decrease your AC unit's efficiency and cause a leak. Your Envirotemp technician can help you locate and clear your drain line, give us a call! Consider these 8 ways to boost your air conditioning efficiency to keep your home comfortable and your cooling bills low. Give us a call with any air conditioning repairs in Clayton or to schedule your fall maintenance today!
Your air conditioner is an important appliance in your home and should be properly taken care of. While DIY projects can be beneficial and efficient, we recommend leaving the complex AC repairs to the experts at Envirotemp. Homeowners are encouraged to do tasks that help their air conditioner function properly, but not attempt to fix a broken unit. In this article, we will explain the importance of calling an AC professional rather than fixing your air conditioner yourself. Why You Should Call A Professional Air conditioning repair can be a complicated process. Most repairs require certain tools that most do not keep in their tool box, along with knowledge only trained professionals hold. Below are 5 reasons you should call a professional. Safety Reducing Efficiency Creating Bigger Problems Warranty Equipment Without a trained eye, attempting to repair your unit can do more harm than good and possibly create more repairs. Some repairs deal with electric wiring and can risk safety if not handled properly. We don't expect you to be the expert, that is what we are here for! What You Can Do For Your Unit To ensure you don't do more damage, it is important to know which tasks you can do yourself. Below we have listed a few maintenance tips homeowners can do to help your air conditioner perform efficiently and prevent repair! Regularly Change Air Filters Your air filter can determine how your system functions and could be the source of many problems. It is important to change your air filters every 3 months to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively. Keep A Clean Outdoor Unit Your outdoor unit endures the weather and can build up debris. Debris such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, and trash can accumulate on your air conditioner and harm efficiency and airflow. We recommend checking the status of your outdoor unit weekly to ensure its health and performance. Ensure Good Air Flow The air vents in your home should remain open and unblocked for better airflow and efficiency. Blocked or closed vents can cause air leaks in your ducts from the built up pressure, resulting in high energy bills and possible repair. When To Call A Professional Certain AC repairs should be handled by a professional to ensure your safety and protect your air conditioner. Rather than attempting to identify and fix the problem, below are signs you should call a professional. Unusual Noises It is normal for your air conditioner to make noises from time to time, but not constantly. Unusual noises can indicate your air conditioner needs repair soon. Below are 3 noises to pay attention to: Banging/Clanking: This typically indicates there is a loose part, which could cause more damage if ignored. Buzzing: Buzzing means there is a malfunction within your system, such as the compressor or condenser fan. Squealing: If your unit is squealing, it may be an issue with your blower fan. Warm Air Warm air blowing from your air conditioner is just about as uncomfortable as no air. A common cause to an AC unit blowing warm air is low refrigerant, which is a toxic fluid. Refrigerant poisoning can lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, and other problems. For your safety, call a professional rather than attempting to repair a refrigerant leak. Insufficient Airflow If your air conditioner is not adequately cooling your home, it could mean a variety of repairs. Your AC unit is likely working overtime to meet the cooling needs of your home, which raises utility bills. Rather than finding the source yourself, we can quickly identify the issue and restore airflow! For all air conditioning repairs and maintenance, we recommend calling one of our trained technicians to help resolve your issue. Repairing your AC unit yourself can lead to more issues and risk your safety. We are here for you and are not comfortable until you are!
While Delaware being surrounded by water has its perks, it also has negatives like high humidity. Homeowners in Delaware should be aware of humidity levels inside their homes, because of the damages it can cause. If your home has high humidity, we recommend investing in a dehumidifier. In this article, we will explain the benefits of a whole home dehumidifier and why it is necessary in your Delaware home. What Is A Whole Home Dehumidifier? A whole home dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air in every room of your home. They function similarly to a regular dehumidifier, but protect each room rather than single rooms. If your home has ever felt uncomfortably hot and muggy, chances are humidity levels are high. Your HVAC units work to remove humidity, but when levels are high it struggles. A dehumidifier provides many benefits to your home, such as reducing workload for your HVAC system. Why Do I Need A Dehumidifier In Clayton? Delaware has a humid and temperate climate. There are some high humidity months and some lower. To put into perspective, homes should be kept between 30-50% humidity and the lowest humidity month in Delaware is about 53%. If your home has high humidity, it can damage many components and cause discomfort. Dehumidifiers can remove extra moisture from the air and greatly improve indoor air quality. Benefits Of A Whole Home Dehumidifier A dehumidifier can improve comfort and protect aspects of your home. Both portable and whole home dehumidifiers can be beneficial, but the whole home device can protect every room at once. Below are 5 advantages of a whole home dehumidifier. Reduces Utility Bills Increases Home Protection Improves Comfort Prevents Mold Growth Improves Energy Efficiency Reduces Utility Bills Your HVAC unit works to remove humidity, but can become overworked if levels are high. A whole home dehumidifier can take some of your HVAC unit's workload, which reduces energy usage and saves money on monthly utility bills. Increases Home Protection High humidity can cause damage to many aspects of your home. The moisture in the air can cause: Damaged electronics Warped wood floors & furniture Peeled paint & wallpaper Mold and mildew growth A dehumidifying system can remove excess moisture and protect your home from the damages it may cause. Improves Comfort Homes with high humidity can feel uncomfortable and sticky. A dehumidifier is the quickest and easiest solution to restoring comfort. A whole home dehumidifier can ensure each room has an appropriate level of moisture to maximize comfort. Prevents Mold Growth High humidity can cause mold and mildew growth in your home, because the pollutants thrive in warm and moist environments. A whole home humidifier can remove moisture from every inch of your home to prevent mold growing in the future. Improves Energy Efficiency If your home has high humidity, your HVAC system is working hard to remove it. However, removing moisture is not a heating and cooling unit's main task. A whole home dehumidifying system can help the workload of your HVAC unit and reduce energy usage. A whole home dehumidifier can help you breathe cleaner, healthier air while providing multiple other benefits. The fall season is the perfect time to consider having a dehumidifier installed, because it will help remove pollutants and keep seasonal allergies to a minimum. Give us a call for more about dehumidifiers or HVAC maintenance in Clayton, Delaware!